US embassy in Saudi Arabia warns of 'imminent' missile and drone threats in Dhahran; urges citizens to avoid consulate

The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia warned Tuesday of imminent missile and UAV attacks over Dhahran, urging American citizens to avoid the US Consulate and shelter in place immediately on the lowest available floor, away from windows informing that the Consulate staff are taking cover inside the facility.

Authorities instructed residents to seek immediate shelter if they hear explosions or sirens. Those indoors should stay in interior rooms with minimal openings, while people outdoors should move to hardened structures or lie down protecting their heads.




In a post on X, the US embassy in Saudi Arabia wrote, “There is a threat of imminent missile and UAV attacks over Dhahran. Do not come to the US Consulate. Take cover immediately in your residence on the lowest available floor and away from windows. Do not go outside. The US Consulate in Dhahran urges US citizens in Dhahran to shelter in place, review security plans in the event of an attack, and to stay alert in case of additional future attacks. US Consulate personnel are sheltering in place.”



Even intercepted missiles or drones can produce dangerous falling debris. Officials advised avoiding debris after attacks and monitoring official news sources for updates.

The security alert follows escalating tensions in the Middle East after US and Israeli airstrikes hit multiple Iranian sites on Saturday, including Tehran, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli territory and US military bases in Gulf states hosting American forces, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE.

According to The New York Times, the US State Department closed its embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait on Tuesday after drone attacks and urged Americans to depart immediately from 14 Middle Eastern countries, as Iran expanded its retaliatory strikes on American targets in the escalating regional conflict.

The US embassy in Riyadh sustained minor damage from what appeared to be two drones, the Saudi defense ministry reported. A day earlier, a drone attack caused a fire at the US embassy compound in Kuwait, according to US officials who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.